A charity dedicated to supporting the mental health of artists expresses overwhelming gratitude for the outpouring of support following Chappell Roan’s call for improved rights for musicians at the Grammy Awards.
The talented artist behind Pink Pony Club generously donated $25,000 (£20,000) to Backline, a US-based charity, during her moving acceptance speech for Best New Artist. In the wake of a critique from a music executive dismissing Chappell’s words as misguided, Charity director Hilary Gleason tells BBC Newsbeat that the response has been remarkable.
“We are truly grateful for her courageous call to action within the music industry,” Gleason states.
According to her, Monday marked Backline’s most successful day of fundraising, with artists such as Charli XCX and Noah Kahan matching Chappell’s contribution. Global touring companies and promoters have also joined in, demonstrating solidarity.
While acknowledging Chappell’s proactive stance, Hilary emphasizes the necessity for sustained support to instigate lasting change.
“This movement requires the collective effort of every individual within the industry to demand reform,” she affirms. “We are honored to lead this conversation, but the journey ahead will be lengthy.”
Reflecting on her personal struggles after being dropped by her label during the pandemic, Chappell underscored the challenges faced by artists in the industry. Hilary notes that Chappell’s experience is not uncommon, citing the lack of guidance during the early stages of artists’ careers.
She highlights the toll that touring can take on artists, affecting their mental health and relationships. Singer Jeff Draco shares his own struggles, emphasizing the difficulties faced by independent artists without major label backing.
Backline aims to provide a comprehensive support system for industry professionals, from artists to crew members, offering financial aid and wellness services. However, both Jeff and Hilary advocate for more substantial changes within the industry.
Hilary envisions a future where individuals receive support from the onset of their careers until retirement, including access to healthcare for US artists. Jeff calls for increased structural support from labels, such as mentorship programs for emerging talents.
A report released by Help Musicians in 2023 highlighted similar challenges faced by UK artists, with nearly half citing a lack of sustainable income hindering their careers.
The need for collective action and ongoing support within the music industry is evident, as echoed by Chappell Roan’s impactful message at the Grammy Awards.
In a recent column for The Hollywood Reporter penned by music executive Jeff Rabhan, the argument was put forth that record labels should not be seen as charitable organizations, and artists should not be viewed as typical employees within the industry. Rabhan took aim at Chappell, criticizing her for what he called a hypocritical stance of calling out the music business while simultaneously profiting from it.
Following a publicized donation announcement, Chappell took to her Instagram story to address the response to her Grammy stage revelation, clarifying that her intention was not to rely on crowdfunding as a temporary solution. Instead, she viewed it as a wake-up call to industry leaders to take tangible steps towards effecting genuine change.
In a bold move, Chappell directly challenged Rabhan to match her donation, a challenge that has as yet gone unanswered by the music executive. Despite attempts to obtain a response from Rabhan by Newsbeat, he has remained silent on the matter.
Listeners are encouraged to tune in to Newsbeat’s live broadcasts at 12:45 and 17:45 on weekdays, or catch up on any missed updates through the program’s online archives.
